Just when you think you’ve got a handle on all the newest in skin care technology, Avon comes out with its new Reversalist line ($42.95 Amazon.com, $76.00 retail) featuring activin-stimulating molecules. According to research published in Nature, the inhibition of activin in skin cells called keratinocytes leads to impaired collagen production and healing, whereas increased stimulation of activin production over basal levels lead to hyperthickening of the epidermis. Clearly, then, activin plays a key role in the growth and regeneration of collagen during wound healing. It was this finding that encouraged Avon researchers to discover compounds that stimulate activin for the new Reversalist line.
What is Behind “Activin-Stimulating” Technology?
For years, skin care companies used to annoy me by putting extra-large molecules into skin care creams (like collagen, for example) and then marketing it as the latest miracle cream, even though the large molecules just sat on your skin like a lazy ex-boyfriend on your sofa – useless. Thankfully, Avon researchers are far too advanced for nonsense, and put small, absorbable activin-stimulating molecules (not the large activin molecule) into their Reversalist line. Specifically, the active molecules used in the complex are Amorphophallus, a plant-derived phytochemical that has been proven to increase activin production, and Sesbania, which sounds like a country in the Middle East but is really another phytochemical stimulating activin production in skin cells. Together, Amorphophallus and Sesbania are the active ingredients in Avon’s patented Activinol Complex.
Does it work?
I tend to be skeptical about a lot of “new technology” marketed in the beauty industry, but I must say, activin stimulation shows promise for wrinkle repair. If a wrinkle is viewed as a type of skin wound, and considering that activin receptors are present in both new and healed wounds (as reported in the journal Developmental Biology), theoretically, you could stimulate activin production and increase collagen production to help repair wrinkles somewhat.
To what extent activin is able to repair wrinkles is the true question. According to Avon, in a self-conducted 4-week consumer study of 161 women:
- Overnight, 75% of women felt like they had new looking skin
- In 2 weeks, the formula dramatically reduced the look of wrinkles and left skin looking and feeling dramatically tighter**
- Over time, 88% of women agreed skin looked dramatically younger
In a separate study, also conducted by Avon, 100% of 91 participants felt that their discoloration had improved after 12 weeks. Further, as Dr. Ava Shamban, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA, states in Allure: “It’s an interesting idea, and activin is an exciting molecule. If it helps boost collagen production, which is so crucial to the skin’s structure, it could help” skin look firmer and smoother.
The Bottom Line
I love, love, love it. I think it’s a great wrinkle treatment with a reasonable price tag for all the recessionistas out there who are extending their time between injectable fillers. I give this one an enthusiastic 9/10.
I recently purchased the Anew Reversalist Serum and initially noticed a difference in my skin. Loved it!! However, around week two I’m noticing peeling skin around my nose, mouth and chin. It’s really annoying because I’m always checking my face to make sure flakes of skin are not there. I don’t use a lot of serum, just two drops on each cheek. Does anyone know what I can do about the peeling skin short of not using the product?
It sounds like you need to exfoliate. I had the same problem and an avon lady(20 yrs experience) advised me to get the Avon Advanced Retexturizing Peel. These are little round pads that will take off those old dead skin cells. Keep using your Reversalist products. Soon a day cream and eye cream will be available too. This line of products has taken at least 5 ys off the appearance of my skin. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments and attention after 4 months of using these products. It doesn’t take but 6 wks. to see a real difference in your skin. I love it so much that when i ran out of the serum I cracked open the container and got at least 5 more days worth of product. Best thing I’ve ever used and believe me-I’ve tried it all!